The Expert Mathematician
The Expert Mathematician is a three-year computer-mediated program designed to 
help middle school students develop intricate thinking processes necessary for mathematical communication. All topics in general mathematics, pre-algebra and algebra I are sequentially presented within a student-operated mathematics generation and geometry graphics-enriched format.
Expert Mathematician lessons promote hypothesis forming and testing, error checking, mathematical planning, metacognition and peer collaboration. The immediate graphic feedback, level of control over mathematical logic and syntax development, and the natural language feel of the programming environment attract students of all proficiencies. The lessons range from 40 minutes to 120 minutes and lead students in writing, operating, editing and applying mathematical procedures to study concepts, investigate logical relationships and solve problems. Teachers receive support in modeling and prompting students to use four types of questions as they work: memory, convergent, divergent and evaluative. The Expert Mathematician, Minneapolis, MN, (866) 207-9347, www.expertmath.org.
This article originally appeared in the 04/01/2002 issue of THE Journal.